Rijk Zwaan opens new breeding greenhouse for berries

Date:06-25-2024

Rijk Zwaan announced the opening of its newest breeding greenhouse in Dinteloord, the Netherlands. This facility is dedicated to research and development related to new berry varieties.

The new greenhouse features advanced climate control, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable practices, ensuring optimal conditions for year-round research and breeding. The facility was officially opened on Friday 21 June.

Official opening

The opening ceremony was attended by Rijk Zwaan colleagues and construction partners. All guests had the opportunity to take a tour of the greenhouse.

″Our new breeding greenhouse represents a significant step forward in our mission to innovate in the area of fruit and vegetable breeding,″ says Michiel Zwaan, Crop Manager Berries at Rijk Zwaan. ″The new facility allows our team to conduct year-round research in optimal conditions, accelerating the development of our new breeding programme for berries.″

New berries breeding programme

Rijk Zwaan has been active in vegetable breeding since its foundation in 1924. Last year, the company officially launched a berries breeding programme aimed at broadening its product portfolio with strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Breeding Manager Pieter Egelmeers explains: ″Berries are traditionally propagated vegetatively rather than from seeds. We are focusing on both propagation methods in our breeding programme. Building on our knowledge of research, breeding and seed production, we hope to bring new and innovative strawberry, blackberry and raspberry varieties to the market that will add value for growers and other chain partners.″

Gift at breeding station opening

During the opening of our breeding station, our construction partner Van der Hoeven made a generous gesture. Menno van den Brink, CTO of Van der Hoeven, remarked: ″We, along with our fellow suppliers, take pride in supporting Rijk Zwaan's innovative efforts, particularly in advancing berry breeding. Corporate social responsibility holds significant importance to us, and we're pleased to contribute towards initiatives such as the Sibusiso foundation in Tanzania. As suppliers, we are delighted to present a collective gesture to benefit this foundation during the opening of Rijk Zwaan’s new breeding station.″